WEPASI TRAINS 50 VULNARABLE WOMEN IN ARUA CITY WITH HANDS ON SKILLS

Denise Okao of Uganda small scale industries association in front of some of the products made by the beneficiaries.

By Sunday Amandi

Arua city

At least fifty vulnerable women have gained skills in leather turning and leather designing under the Enhancing Economic Empowerment and Livelihood Opportunities, ILO project implemented by Women Empowerment for Peace And Agents of Social Inclusion (WEPASI) in Arua city.

The project funded by IMS foundation was aimed at giving livelihood skills for the vulnerable women in the community for economic empowerment.

At the pass out of the 50 beneficiaries in Kasua cell, Pokea ward in Ayivu division, Phiona Opidera, the finance officer for (WEPASI) confirmed that, their door will still be open for the beneficiaries for more consultations if need arises,

“These beneficiaries have been trained both in making of shoes without use of the machines, and the use of the machines, we have the scoring machines, we have encouraged the women and told them continuously that our door is open, there are actually many of these women who are doing production in their various homes already, immediately after the training, for large productions they can still come to office and use our machines free of charge, if there are any challenges, they can still reach out to us and we shall continue to guide them, “ Fiona said.

Beneficiaries receiving star up kits.

Denis Okao, the regional officer for Uganda small scale industries association confirms that the women gained the skills to their expectation, and will continue supporting their efforts,

“We have been monitoring all the process, how training were being contacted, when we were doing our assessment, we realized that these people turn the leather, and the leather can be used, and we believe they will continue, we pledge full support towards what they are doing, because as Uganda small scale industries association, we work with micro, small and medium entrepreneurs,” Okao emphasized.

Helen Draru, one of the beneficiaries testifies on the possibility of a bright future for the beneficiaries if the skills acquired can be put to right use,

“I have attained my training here, gained knowledge, I can see there is future now, before I have been doing some business like selling tomatoes, but after selling those things you can get one thousand, two thousand, sometimes three thousand, but this one, if you make a sandal and you sell it, at least you get a profit like eleven thousand shillings, there it will change my life and also my family,” Hellen testified.

However, Driciru Centenary, the community development officer for Ayivu division warns the women against dumping the acquired skills if they are to change their story,

“Love the work you are doing, do not acquire these skills and then you go and damp the knowledge, put it in to use,” Centenary emphasized.

The women were able to make ladder belts for men, ladder sandals, key holders, and other products in the course of the training.